Jimmy Gariepy

(From Parker Mortuary)

James Alfred “Jimmy” Gariepy, age 89, Joplin, formerly of Roy, Utah, passed away on Tuesday, August 30, 2022 at his home with family by his side.

James was born April 15, 1933 in Missoula, son of the late Alfred and Annabelle (Pearson) Gariepy. He grew up in Missoula and graduated from Missoula High School where he enjoyed playing football and basketball. 

He proudly served his country by enlisting in the United States Army from 1953 – 1955. He worked in retail most of his life, starting with Woolworth, and later with K-Mart for over 27 years before retiring. He spent time in Wyoming, Colorado, Idaho, and Utah, moving to Joplin in 2019. He enjoyed being a member of the Key Club in high school, and later bowling for K-Mart and playing softball. He loved all sports, but his favorite teams were the Denver Broncos, the Utah Jazz, and the Philadelphia Phillies. He loved spending time with his family and will be greatly missed by many.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Carol (Jepson) Gariepy; son, Dean Gariepy and wife Judy of Layton, UT, daughter, Linda Munn and husband Charles of Joplin; sister, Alma Fink of Missoula; five grandchildren, Jessie Gariepy, Grant Gariepy, Zachary Munn, Andrew Munn, and Patrick Munn.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the staff of Veteran’s Affairs, especially Betty, Rhonda, and Jeanette.

Memorial service will be Wednesday, August 31, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. in Parker Mortuary Chapel with Chaplain Danny Mullins officiating.

Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary with committal of his ashes taking place at a later date in Sunset Memorial Gardens, Missoula, MT.

Bob Meeks

(From Ulmer Funeral Home)

Robert L. “Bob” Meeks, 84, passed away at his home in Carthage, Missouri, on Friday, August 26, 2022. Bob was born on August 16, 1938, in Ferriday, Louisiana to William Edgar Meeks and Grace Mae “Loucks” Meeks.

Bob attended Arkansas State University where he earned his Master’s degree in Music, and then spent the next several decades touching the lives of countless students as a music educator while also performing as a professional musician. 

During his career Bob received numerous honors and awards, including being named “Outstanding Jazz Educator” by the Missouri Association of Jazz Educators, selected as a “Legend of Music Education” by Palen Music Center, and selected as “Best Teacher” multiple times through the years by his students.

Bob was heavily involved with many national and state music education associations and served as the state chairman of the Collegiate Music Educators National Association, as well as being elected Band Vice President and then President of the Missouri Music Educators Association. Bob was a regular adjudicator and clinician at various music competitions and camps.

Throughout his career Bob always looked for ways to promote music appreciation and participation by forming and directing multiple concert and jazz community bands. Bob was a founder and director of the “Sounds of Missouri” concert band that performed extensively in England, Austria, Germany, Ireland, and Switzerland, and was the jazz director for the “Missouri Ambassadors”, which also performed in front of enthusiastic and receptive audiences across Europe.

As a performer, Bob was a skilled trumpet player and saxophonist. Early in his career Bob worked with the Gib Brewington Combo, the Ray Coble Combo, the Joe Lee Combo, the Colie Stoltz Combo, and the Bill Black Combo. He also worked as a studio musician in Memphis and played with Jerry Lee Lewis, among other well-known musicians. 

In more recent years, he performed in Branson, Missouri with the Jack Decker Quintet, and was the principal trumpet player for the Missouri Southern State College Orchestra from 1986 through 1994. Born in Louisiana, Bob was always fond of Dixieland music, and he formed and played with several Dixieland bands.

Bob’s career in elementary and high school music education took him from Hughes, Arkansas to Mountain Grove, Missouri and finally to Carthage, Missouri. Bob then became Director of Bands and Professor of Music at Missouri Southern State University in Joplin, Missouri where he eventually retired.

After retirement, Bob became a member of the Patriot Guard where he rode over 500 missions. Bob was eventually selected to be the Missouri state Secretary-Treasurer. He felt a strong sense of duty and camaraderie with the Patriot Guard and felt honored to be able to show his respect to our fallen veterans.

Ultimately, Bob will be remembered for his quick wit and sense of humor, and for the positive impact he had on everyone around him as a husband, father, teacher, mentor, role model, and friend.

Bob was joined in marriage to Sylvia Barker on December 28, 1958, in Helena, Arkansas; she survives.

Along with his wife Sylvia Meeks, Bob is survived by one daughter, Elizabeth Norwood (James) of Carthage, Missouri; one son, Robert F. Meeks (Lisa) of Sandy, Utah; six grandchildren, Natalie Norwood (Kelsey), Bethany Williams (Andrew), Jack Meeks, Gretchen Meeks, Jay Norwood, and Nancy Theriot (Erik); two great granddaughters, Iris Norwood and Ashten Williams; one brother, Thomas Meeks of Phoenix, Arizona; and embraced family friends Dean and Kathy Ellensohn-Cogar of Waynesville, Missouri.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents William Edgar and Grace Mae Meeks, and one brother, Bill Meeks.

A memorial service for Bob Meeks will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, September 17, 2022, at Ulmer Funeral Home in Carthage, Missouri. An open visitation will be held on Friday, September 16, 2022, at Ulmer Funeral Home.

Condolences may be made online at www.ulmerfh.com.

Contributions may be made to the Patriot Guard in care of Ulmer Funeral Home.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Ulmer Funeral Home.

Joanna Holmes

(From Bath-Naylor Funeral Home)

Joanna Lynn Holmes passed away to be with our Lord and Savior at 8:28AM on August 28, 2022 at KU Medical Center in Kansas City, KS. 

She was born Joanna Lynn Lucas on January 10, 1961 in Pittsburg, Kansas to Margie Eichhorn and Larry Lucas. In a household of five children, Joanna was the middle child with two older brothers, who were her best friends growing up. Being so close in age and the only girl at the time, Joanna had to become "one of the boys," and would always brag that she could play football, hold her own with her brothers and was tougher than a lot of boys in the neighborhood.

A few years later, her baby sister Elaine joined the mix and she finally had a partner in crime against the boys. Spending most of her childhood in Pittsburg, the family moved to Clovis, New Mexico for a short period of time and that is when the last child, her baby brother Wayne arrived. Having previously been a tom boy, Joanna took to her little brother, looking after him almost like a second mom. She was a very devoted, kind and protective big sister.

Joanna attended Pittsburg schools including Washington Grade School, Lakeside Junior High, and Pittsburg High School where she participated in a variety of sports. She graduated High School in 1979. 

Around this same time, she met a persistent young man who was head over heels in love with her; John Holmes. After many pleas, she accepted a date with him and the rest was history. They were married on June 15, 1984. They had three children between 1987 and 1990. After the birth of her third child, she decided to go back to school full time to pursue her goal of becoming a nurse.

Having three children under the age of five, she went to school full time, worked on the side as a cosmetologist to help support her family and graduated from Pittsburg State University's Nursing Program in 1995. As a nurse, she worked in all aspects of the profession, including the ER, Gen Surg, and even worked for a short period of time at the Student Health Center on Pitt State's Campus. Joanna took pride in being a nurse and was always admired by co-workers and all of her patients loved her, and she loved her patients; their well-being always came first. There is no greater example of this than when she was working at St. John's Hospital in 2011 when the notorious F5 tornado hit Joplin, MO.

Joanna was the nurse who advised the hospital to initiate Code Gray, which allowed all floors to take necessary measures to get the patients to a secure location prior to the tornado hitting the hospital. If it wasn't for her actions, many more patients could have been lost in that natural disaster that actually moved the gigantic hospital six inches off of its foundation.

Joanna adored her children, always taking pride in their athletic ability and traveled all over the country for their athletic tournaments. On September 16, 2015, her first and only grandchild was born to her eldest son and his wife, a baby girl named Presley. Over the past six years, Presley and her "Nana" developed a special relationship and loved to sit and watch videos of Elvis Presley performing live. It was one of their favorite hobbies and Presley always looked forward to spending time with her Nana. A lifelong animal lover, Joanna was always willing to give food and nurture animals that she found without a home, and was always willing to adopt animals that took a liking to her.

In March 2020, Joanna was diagnosed with breast cancer. She underwent a double mastectomy, numerous chemo/radiation treatments all while still working full time as a nurse. Tragically, her husband John contracted COVID in late September 2021 and passed away from the disease on October 14, 2021. Losing her best friend was something Joanna struggled with and up until her death, still said she missed John every second of every day.

Joanna's cancer returned in the spring of this year, infecting her spine, pelvis and liver, but she refused to give up. She continued to fight up until the very end. Joanna will always be remembered as a kind and caring person, who adored her family, profession and of course all of her animals. She was always the first to speak up and defend those she loved, stood by her convictions and lived life her way.

A lifelong Catholic, she has been a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Pittsburg, Kansas her entire life.

She is survived by her three children, Brodie of Pittsburg, Keegan (Logan) of Pittsburg, Paige of Pittsburg; her granddaughter, Presley Holmes of Cherokee, KS; her parents, Margie Eichhorn of Pittsburg, KS, Larry (Virginia) Lucas of Weir, KS; her siblings, Clint Lucas of Pittsburg, KS, Bruce (Marsha) of Prospect, TN, Elaine (Matt) Price of Orlando, FL, and Wayne Lucas of Rogers, AR; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A parish rosary will be recited at 6 pm on Wednesday, August 31, 2022 at Bath-Naylor Funeral Home in Pittsburg, KS. Family will receive friends following the rosary from 6:30 to 8 pm at the funeral home.

Funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church on Thursday, September 1, 2022 at 1 pm, burial will follow at Highland Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the S.E.K Humane Society and/or Memorial Masses to Our Lady of Lourdes in remembrance of Joanna Holmes.

Friends may drop off or mail memorials to the Bath-Naylor Funeral Home, 522 S. Broadway Pittsburg, KS 66762.

Annette Divine

(From Daniel Funeral Home)

Annette Divine, age 63, of Lamar, Missouri passed away August 27, 2022, at Freeman Hospital in Joplin, Missouri.

Annette was born April 7, 1959 in Los Angeles, California to Joseph Percy Sanchez and Rose (Romero) Sanchez. On October 27, 1976, Annette married Lewis Divine in Long Beach, CA.

Annette worked as a CNA at Truman Healthcare in Lamar, MO.

 

Survivors include her husband Lewis; one son, Lewis Jr. (Betty Jane) Divine of Marshfield, Missouri; three daughters, Rebecca Domingez, Allannis Divine and Shyloh Blu Divine all of Lamar; eight grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and two sisters, Paula Sanchez and Arlene Sanchez, both of Los Angeles, CA.

Annette was preceded in death by her parents and four brothers.

A visitation will be held from 3:00 - 5:00 p.m., Thursday, September 1, 2022 at Daniel Funeral Home in Lamar, MO.

Condolences may be shared at www.dfhlamar.com

 

Donald Beier

(From Simpson Funeral Home)

Donald Beier age 82 of Carl Junction, MO passed away at his home on August 27, 2022.

Donald loved to work at the Webb City Nazarene Church. He loved his military career. Donald loved Disney and his favorite character was Donald Duck.

Donald is survived by his wife, Diana Beier; daughter; Stephannie Roberts and husband Johnathan of Webb City, MO; sons Christopher P Beier and wife Rhonda of Broken Arrow, OK, Jason Beier and wife Kerri of Carl Junction, MO, and Gordon Roger Beier of Offenbach, Germany. He is also survived by six grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

A Memorial Service is scheduled for Thursday, September 1, 2022 at 6:00 PM at the Webb City Nazarene Church.

Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Simpson Funeral Home in Webb City. The family encourages relatives and friends to visit www.simpsonfh.com to share photos and memories of Donald.

Kenny Stingley

(From Clark Funeral Home)

Kenneth Paul “Kenny” Stingley, age 18, of Granby, Missouri, died at 1:45 p.m. at his home on Sunday, August 28, 2022. He was born August 19, 2004, in Joplin, Missouri, to Russell and Annette (Dowd) Stingley. Kenny was in his senior year at East Newton High School. He loved gaming, woodworking and his family. Kenny was an Eastern Shawnee Tribal member and lived in Granby his entire life.

He will be dearly missed by his parents, Russell and Annette Stingley of Granby; his aunts, Sandra Probst, Kathi Lewis, Mary Nearing and Cheryl Wakley; uncle, Allen Rosenow; and numerous cousins.

His grandparents preceded him in death.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 1, 2022, at the Clark Funeral Home in Granby with burial at Granby Memorial Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 31, 2022, in the funeral home chapel.

Andy Crljen

(From Ozark Funeral Home)

Andrija “Andy” Crljen, 83, of Noel, Missouri, passed away on Thursday, August 25, 2022 at Webb City Health and Rehab in Webb City, Missouri.

He entered this life on November 18, 1938 in Brod-Posavina Croatia, born to the late, Tomaslav and Anna Crljen. Andy resided in Noel, Missouri for over 25 years. He served in the Croatian Army. Andy enjoyed playing pool, fishing, gardening and visiting with family and friends.

Andy was preceded in death by his parents and a brother.

Those left to share Andy’s memory are his children, Andy Crljen and wife, Claudine of Signal Hill, California, Mato Crljen and wife, Moa of San Diego, California, Virginia “Ginny” Wright and Elizabeth Crljen, both of Long Beach, California; four grandchildren, Dillon, Cody, Brianna and Cailey; a great grandchild, Axel; as well as a host of other family in Croatia.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 1, 2022 at the Noel Cemetery in Noel, Missouri. Pastor Marilyn O’Brien will officiate. Visitation will be held from 10:00 am to 10:45 am at the Anderson Chapel of the Ozark Funeral Home. The family will receive friends at this time.

Phyllis Woods

(From Worley-Luginbuel Funeral Home)

Phyllis Carelene “Reece” Woods, age 75, of Jay, OK., passed away on August 27th with her beloved family by her side.

Phyllis was born on October 15th, 1946, in Jay, OK. to Jack and Dovie (Blevins) Reece.

She graduated from Jay High School in 1963. On Feb 1, 1964, she was united in marriage to Ernest Franklin Woods. They resided in the Southwest City, MO/OK community.

Phyllis was an amazing and talented piano player. She enjoyed sharing her gift of music at her Church and various public events. She loved cooking delicious food for family and friends, she never let a guest leave without eating. 

Phyllis loved spending time with her children and grandchildren attending numerous sporting events and activities. She would always encourage them with love, along with many prayers for their safety. Phyllis was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and friend. She cherished each and every one of those relationships and will be dearly missed.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Dovie Reece of Jay, OK, sisters, Doris Cox of Seattle, WA, Shirley Norris of Monett, MO., Peggy Gibe of Grove, OK., and her husband Ernest Franklin Woods of Jay, OK.

Left to cherish her memory: son Frank Woods and wife Karen of Southwest City, MO., daughter Nancy Noble and husband Darrin of Jay, OK, son Landon “Joe” Woods and wife Miranda of Grove, OK; six cherished grandchildren: Jimmy Roach and wife Micah of Jay, OK, Josh Roach and wife Kristen of Grove, OK, MacKenzie Woods of Bentonville, AR, Zack Woods of Southwest City, MO, Sterling Woods of Southwest City, MO, and Dustin Noble of Claremore, OK; and seven great grandchildren; Aubree, Peyton, JJ, Kaedy, Hadley, Kendal, Gabe, Phoebe, Emberlee.

She also leaves behind one sister; Inez Crittenden of Grove, OK.

A visitation will be held at 12:00 noon with funeral services starting at 1:00 PM, Thursday, September 1, 2022, at Full Gospel Church in Southwest City, MO with Pastor Richard Hart and Jimmy C. Roach officiating. Phyllis will be laid to rest in the Southwest City Cemetery.

Warren Jobe

(From Clark Funeral Home)

Warren Dale Jobe, age 75, of Neosho, died Monday, August 29, 2022, at Mercy Hospital in Joplin. He was born December 7, 1946, to Herman and Sybil (Shirley) Jobe in Carthage, Missouri. 

A United States Air Force veteran, Dale married the love of his life, Mary Ann (Streff) Jobe, on June 6, 1970, in Council Bluffs, Iowa.

Dale and Mary Ann’s 52-year marriage produced two children, a daughter, Gretchen Petzold (Shane), of Belton, Missouri, and a son, Britton, of Springfield, Missouri, and two grandchildren, Caden and Kyler.

A lifelong enthusiast of anything with a motor, Dale enjoyed a long career that utilized his mechanical inclination. Following service in the Air Force as an aircraft mechanic beginning at age 17 during the Vietnam War, Dale transitioned into a similar role in the private sector. After obtaining the necessary training and education, Dale’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to start and lead several businesses, including one that designed and installed fiberglass satellite dishes and another that designed, engineered, and installed large-scale wastewater treatment systems.

Dale enjoyed many activities in retirement, including woodworking, restoring classic cars, fishing, cheering on the St. Louis Cardinals with Mary Ann, and spending time with his grandchildren.

Visitation will be held from 9:30-10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, September 6, 2022, at Clark Funeral Home in Neosho. Graveside service will follow at 11:00 a.m. at Gibson Cemetery in Neosh o.

In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to the Boys Town organization of Omaha, Nebraska.

Carol Jones

(From Greenfield Funeral Chapel)

Carol L. Myers-Jones departed this life on Monday August 29, 2022 at the age of 86 years old while residing in the Good Shepherd Nursing Home in Lockwood, Mo. 

Carol was born October 1, 1935 on Tuff StreHet in South Greenfield, Mo to Charley and Cora Sparks-Myers. Carol was one of seven children. She had so many fond memories of her childhood especially with her sister, Patsy, cousins Barbara, Bonnie and Sue Etta. 

Carol attended South Greenfield Baptist church where she was saved and then baptized in Limestone Creek. After she was married, she moved her membership to Antioch Christian Church where she remained a member until her death.

Carol graduated from Greenfield High School in 1953. She married John Luther Jones on April 24, 1954 and they resided on the Jones family farm in Pilgrim township, near Everton, Mo. Together they were blessed with two sons, Kimmy Bruce and John Matthew. Carol worked in the medical field most of her working career. She started out at what was known as the Mt. Vernon Chest Hospital, OACAC, Lockwood Hospital, Smith Glynn Callaway Clinic and retired from Hospice. During her retired years she went into private home health care.

Carol loved music of all kinds and spent many years singing in a trio consisting of Joann Steeley and Cho Ethel Poindexter and also as a soloist. They sang at many funerals and other events. Carol also loved being in the kitchen and was well known for her fried chicken and homemade peanut brittle. She spent lots of time with her flowers, you know you can never have too many. She loved all her bling jewelry and flashy clothes. Carol thoroughly enjoyed flea marketing and garage sales with her sisters and nieces, along with collecting lots of STUFF. Carol dearly loved all of her family and had a vivacious personality. She would always bring a fun energy into the room with a bit of her natural sass that added to her personality.

Due to Carol’s health, she moved from the family farm into the Greenfield retirement homes in June 2019, and then into the Good Shepherd Nursing Home on August 4, 2021. Carol was preceded in death by her parents, husband John Luther, granddaughter Karli Jones, grandson Dustin “Dusty” Jones, sister Mary Frieze, brothers Bobby and G.D. Myers.

She leaves behind many loved ones, her oldest son Kim (Lesia) Jones of Everton, their children and grandchildren. Grandson the late Dustin Jones family that includes wife Melinda Jones and children, William, Wade and Chloe Jones of Greenfield, Mo, grandson Jacob (Abby) Jones and children Paisley and Cutler of South Greenfield, Mo , granddaughter Kelbey (Asa) Bowles and children Stran and Jasper of South Greenfield, MO.

Younger son Matt (Damaris) Jones and their children and grandchildren, grandson John Christopher, (Kelsey) and Carter May Jones, grandsons Cody and Reed, granddaughter Lauren Jones all from the state of Texas. Sister Pasty Hargis, brother Dillard (Phyllis) Myers, brother Terry Myers all of South Greenfield, Mo. Many friends and a host of nieces and nephew that she loved with all her heart.

A celebration of life will be held Monday evening, September 5th, at the Main Street Baptist Church, Greenfield, MO. Visitation from 5-6 with a small service to follow. The family will host a private burial at Antioch Cemetery at a later time. In lieu of flowers, the family requested that donations be made to the Antioch Cemetery, 730 S. Dade 197, Everton, MO 65646. Cremation services are under the care of Greenfield Funeral Chapel.

Marilyn Smith

(From Clark Funeral Home)

Marilyn Gwen Smith, 80, of Neosho, Missouri passed away August 28, 2022 in her home.

Marilyn was born October 16, 1941 in Mankato, Minnesota to Fritz and Mabel (Kittleson) Schiebel. 

She is preceded in death by her brother, Jerrold “Jerry” Schiebel and sister, Joyce Poelvoorde. 

Marilyn is survived by her two daughters Kristin Abbott and husband John of Palmyra, Missouri and Tracy Smith Clyburn and husband Brandon of St. Louis, Missouri; her sister Florence (Ron) Johnson of Canyon Lake, Texas; her four beloved grandchildren Peyton and McKenna Abbott and Mason and Ainsley Clyburn; and several nieces and nephews.

Marilyn attended Mankato High school and went on to receive a secretarial certificate. Her early career in office work led her to work for a travel agency which afforded her trips to the Bahamas, Mexico and eventually Hawaii where she lived for a short while. Later, she began a life-long passion of breeding dogs.

Marilyn was an animal lover and always had a related story to share. Her daughters and grandchildren relished hearing these stories like the childhood pet duck she walked on a leash to swim in the creek or the backyard squirrel that made her laugh when he couldn’t climb the greased bird feeder pole. She was a nature lover that saw beauty in her backyard flowers or a wind-swept wheat field that she said reminded her of ocean waves. 

Marilyn was a highly independent, capable woman even in her sunset years, which served as an excellent example for her growing daughters. She was a clever, resourceful problem solver. When her riding mower once needed a new battery, rather than pay to have it hauled in for repair, she borrowed a book from the library and changed it herself, fully impressing her pre-teen daughter. 

She had a great sense of humor and appreciated funny stories about family pets or grandchildren and saved the letters and notes about the stories so she could reflect back and laugh. Those who loved her will miss her hearty laugh.

According to her wishes, no services are planned. Cremation is under the direction of Clark Funeral Home, Neosho. For those that would like to honor her memory, consider donating to a wildlife rescue center or trusted pet adoption agency or simply take in nature’s beauty and think of Marilyn.

Evelyn Davenport

(From Fossett-Mosher Funeral Home)

Evelyn Jean Davenport, age 83, of Mt. Vernon, Missouri, passed away at 4:30 a.m. on Sunday, August 28, 2022, at her home. She was born February 16, 1939, in Lancaster, California, the daughter of Ed and Ora (Wilmeth) Truman.

Evelyn was a 1957 graduate of Creston, High School in Creston, Iowa and attended a business college. She worked as secretary for Farmland Industries and was a member of the Ozark Prairie Presbyterian Church and Heart of the Hills Club. 

Evelyn and her husband Marvin were very active in square dancing, which they joined almost 45 years ago. She enjoyed cooking, sewing and would make most of their clothes for square dancing.

On November 24, 1957, she married Marvin Denton Davenport, in Kent, Iowa. He preceded her in death on May 30, 2017.

Evelyn is survived by her daughter, Sherry Davenport of Mt. Vernon; her son, Phillip Davenport and his wife, Kerry, of Smithville, Missouri; one sister, Robbie Taylor of Carthage, North Carolina; one sister-in-law, Shirley Davenport of Creston, Iowa and several nieces and one nephew.

Evelyn was preceded in death by her parents, Ed and Ora; her brother and sister-in-law, Duane and Jan Truman and two brothers-in-law, Merrill Davenport and Jim Taylor.

A funeral service, under the direction of the Fossett-Mosher Funeral Home, in Mt. Vernon, will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 1, 2022, at the Ozark Prairie Presbyterian Church with burial to follow at the Ozark Prairie Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 31, 2022, in the funeral home chapel.

Memorial donations may be made payable to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation or the Breast Cancer Foundation, in care of the funeral home. Online condolences may be shared at www.FossettMosherFuneralHome.com.

Leslie Carnahan

(From Clark Funeral Home)

Leslie Andrew Carnahan, age 65, of Granby, Missouri, passed away at 12:27 p.m. on Monday, August 29, 2022, at his home. He was born July 25, 1957, in Granby, Missouri, to the late William Andrew and Alice Jane (Gamble) Carnahan. 

Leslie was a 1975 graduate of East Newton High School and worked as an over-the-road truck driver. He loved music of all kinds, especially gospel, and going out to eat with friends and family.

He is survived by his son Jason (Jamie) Carnahan of Neosho; one sister, Janie (Earl) Harris of Granby; one brother, David Carnahan of Miami, Oklahoma; and one grandson, Jacob Carnahan of Neosho.

In addition to his parents, his sister, Karen Carnahan, preceded him in death.

Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, September 2, 2022, at Kenney Cemetery in Neosho, Missouri. Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 1, 2022, in the Clark Funeral Home in Granby. Memorial donations may be made to Gideons International, PO Box 26, Granby, MO 64844.

Matt Bushey

(From Sheldon-Goodrich Funeral Home)

Dr. Matthew David Bushey the youngest child of Ed and Nancy Bushey was born May 6, 1974, in Kansas City, Missouri. He passed away August 24, 2022.

Matt grew up in Shawnee, Kansas where he attended Maranatha Christian Academy. Upon graduation he attended Evangel University graduating with his Bachelor of Science degree in education. He received his Masters and Specialist degrees from Southwest Baptist University and in May 2019, he received the Doctor of Education-Educational Leadership degree from Southwest Baptist University.

On August 9, 1997, Matt and Amy Murray were married. They were blessed to be the parents of Cooper, born May 7, 2002, and Luke, born December 9, 2004. Matt was a member of Bolivar First Baptist Church.

He taught school in Kansas City in 1997-1998. Moving to Bolivar in 1998, Matt was employed by the Fair Play School teaching history and coaching boys’ basketball. Matt was hired August 1, 2005, by the Dadeville School, first serving as principal and then as superintendent.

Matt was a member of the Missouri Association of School Administrators and the Missouri Association of Rural Education of which he was a member of the Board of Directors.

He is survived by his wife Amy, sons: Cooper, and Luke, his mother Nancy Stayton of Lenexa, KS, two sisters: Stephanie Peck and husband John of Olathe, KS, Stacy Nelson and husband Chris of Pratt, Kansas. One brother Eddie Bushey and wife Kayla of Henderson, Nevada, his father-in-law and mother-in-law Ken and Tanny Murray, brother-in-law David Murray and wife Arikka, sister-in-law Emily Harding and husband Brandon, as well as several nieces, nephews and many friends.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Dadeville Schools, Dadeville, Missouri where a scholarship is being made in Matt’s memory.

Phyllis Lewis

 

(From Clark Funeral Home)

She loved us all so well, and we all were the better for her love. Phyllis Louise Lewis passed away on August 22, 2022, in her home in Neosho, MO, fiercely loved by family and friends both near and far.

Phyllis was born November 24, 1937, outside of Stella, Missouri, to parents Justin Owen Lewis Sr. and Grace Madeline (McNeill) Lewis. The eldest of 3 children, Phyllis was the one and only girl, often acting almost as a second mother and caring dearly for her two younger brothers, Justin Jr. and Robert. She attended primary school at Jay Bird in Neosho, MO, graduated from Neosho High School, and attended Southwest Missouri State University in Springfield, earning her Bachelor of Arts in Education. 

After graduation, Phyllis began what would be a long and successful career as a schoolteacher. She began teaching high school and transitioning to elementary until she eventually found her calling as a remedial reading educator; imbuing the experience of reading with possibility and joy to many who would not have had such an experience without her; that was part and parcel of who Phyllis was. 

She lived and taught across the country in the early 60s, from Chicago, Illinois, to Long Beach, California, until coming back to the Ozarks in 1967, where she continued her teaching career in and around Neosho, including Stella and Anderson Elementary schools. She officially retired from teaching in July 1997 with special recognition from McDonald County School District for “31 years of exceptional and dedicated service”, but she also continued to teach part-time through 2003; for the love of it.

Family was held dear and a priority to Phyllis. She watched over her little brother J.O. (3 years her junior) throughout their childhood, and she was like a bit of a second mother to young Robert, born when she was nine years old. Both brothers looked up to their big sister with an admiration that lived on into their adult lives. She also tenderly cared for her parents, Justin and Grace, in their later years.

She had a passion for reading, history, and travel which she instilled in her nieces and nephews; taking them on road trips across the Ozarks, and Mid-west, including a trip to the site of the Battle of Pea Ridge that became a “must-do right of family passage.”

She became a bird lover and gardener in her retirement, turning the front and back yards of her sweet home on Walnut Street into a lush garden full of a plethora of Hosta’s and flowering vines that she tended to and enjoyed thoroughly. She also became quite the traveler in her later years, traveling with friends and family to destinations packed with history, including Boston, Nova Scotia, New York City, Seattle, Denver, and Chicago.

Phyllis was fiercely devoted to her family. She could always be relied on for a helping hand. She was tough and didn’t suffer shirkers; however, she believed that success was obtainable for anyone who worked for it. And she gave her heart freely and was generous to those who had earned her friendship and respect. Phyllis was dedicated to friends, church, and community. She would see it as a huge mistake if it was not mentioned that she held her friends Dana and Cheryl, the Methodist Women’s Society, and her P.E.O. Sisters close to her heart.

Phyllis is preceded in death by her parents Justin Owen Lewis Sr and Grace Madeline McNeill Lewis and her two younger brothers, Justin (J.O.) Owen Lewis Jr. and Robert (Bob) Delano Lewis, and her sister-in-law Brenda Lee Dionne Lewis (married to J.O). 

She leaves behind and will be greatly missed by her sister-in-law Lesbia (Lisa) Florez Lewis (married to Robert), her niece and nephews; Irina Marie Lewis (married to Marvin), Alex Christopher Lewis (married to Christine), Justin Owen Lewis III (married to Karma), Ian Arthur Lewis (married to Emily), and Anthony (Tony) Matthew Lewis (married to Stephanie). She leaves behind and will watch over her grand-nephews and nieces as well; Olivia Grace Lewis, Kaya Rae Lewis, Claire Alexandra Lewis, Joseph (Joey) Robert Lewis, Arianna Tiffany Lewis, Zachary James Lewis, Mila James Lewis, and Jackson Ray Lewis.

Our Dear Phyllis, we all thank you for the love, strength, and passionate dedication to the family you demonstrated and instilled in all you touched. We will forever be changed because you touched our lives. We love you. ~ Your Family.

Services in remembrance and celebration of Phyllis be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, September 2, 2022, at Neosho United Methodist Church, Christian Life Center location. Visitation will be held from 9: 00-10:00 a.m., followed by a procession and internment at Macedonia Cemetery in Stella, Missouri.

Danny Dell'Antonia

(From Clark Funeral Home)

Danny Dean Dell'Antonia was born February 19, 1957 in Bakersfield, California, one of seven children to the late Richard Terry and Ethel Francis (Lamkin) Dell'Antonia. He entered into rest on August 25, 2022 in Joplin, Missouri at the age of 65. 

Danny graduated from high school in California and was a U.S. Navy disabled veteran. 

In 1988, in West Hills, California, he was united in marriage to Barbara (Filla), who preceded him in death on December 27, 2016. 

Danny is survived by four children, Michael (Robin) Dell'Antonia, Daniel (Courtney) Davis, Deanna Lyons and Harley Davis; step children, Kevin Filla, Brenda Dreher and Cheryl Willis; two sisters, Sherry (Wilfred) Frad and Sharon 'Kay' Houston; numerous grandchildren; great grandchildren and other family and friends.

In addition to his parents and wife, he is preceded in death by a brother, Richard Dell'Antonia and three sisters, Ethel Waggle, Linda Dell'Antonia and Terriea Lee Mulholland.

Paul Riley

(From Parker Mortuary)

Paul Robert Riley, age 61, Joplin, passed away on Monday, August 29, 2022 at Freeman West of Joplin after a short illness.

Paul was born October 11, 1960 in St. Paul, Minnesota, and attended school there graduating in 1978 from St. Cloud High School. He moved to Joplin right after high school and went to work as a machinist, working for several companies before landing his current job with MAPP (Mid-America Precision Product) as a machinist.

 

He was a devoted family man, and also an avid Minnesota Vikings fan. He was always wanting to spend time with his family, especially fishing and being outdoors. He will be greatly missed by many.

He was preceded in death by his father, Terry Riley, and the love of his life, his wife Doreen (Collier) Riley who passed away on December 28, 2008; his wife’s parents, Barbara and John Dobbins; and two sisters-in-law, Judy Riley and Diane Danley.

Survivors include his daughters, Mandy Chandler (Michael Arrowood) of Carl Junction, and Meagan Riley of Joplin; grandchildren, Carsyn Speer of Joplin, Hailey “Bella” Chandler and Brooklyn Chandler both of Carl Junction; his mother, Helen Riley of Joplin; siblings, Tom Riley of Pierz, MN, Pat Riley (Bev) St. Cloud, MN, Ann Payne of Joplin, Kathy Gentzler (Kevin) of Leavenworth, KS, and Kevin Riley (Hilary) of Webb City; several nieces and nephews, extended family and numerous friends.

Memorial graveside service Tuesday, September 6, 2022 at 3:30 p.m. at Osborne Memorial Cemetery with Father Joe Weidenbenner officiating.

The family will receive friends at Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary Chapel from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday.

Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Thornhill- Dillon Mortuary.

Ernie Morgan

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Ernest Howard Morgan, age 81 of Joplin, Missouri passed away on Thursday August 25, 2022, with family by his side. He was born January 7th, 1941, in Taney County to Thomas Oklahoma Morgan and Eva Maude Morgan.

Ernie was a devoted husband of 61 years, a supportive father, a loving grandfather, a thoughtful friend and everyone’s Pop. He was a hard worker and a proud man who retired from Fag Bearings in 2007. He was an outdoorsman that enjoyed fishing, hunting, spending time with his family and loved animals including his many beloved dogs over the years.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Morgan and Eva Morgan; sisters, Betty Hawkins, Iva Jean Morgan, Beulah Brown, Barbara Smith and Erma Irish; and daughter, Carol Kyler.

He is survived by wife, Leona Jean Morgan; daughter, Paula Kay Davis; four grandchildren, Daniel Sandoval, Mark Sandoval, Morgan Davis and Kylie Davis; seven great grandchildren, Emily, Harmony, Darian, Danika, Carter, Stella and Barrett; and great-great-grandson, Dawson.

A memorial visitation will be held at 2 pm Wednesday August 31, 2022, at Mason Woodard Mortuary.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Joplin Humane Society.

Arrangements are under the direction of Mason-Woodard Mortuary & Crematory.

Sherron Ellis

(From Ozark Funeral Home)

Mrs. Sherron Sue Ellis, 82, of Pineville, Missouri, departed this life on Monday, August 29, 2022, in the comfort of her home.

Sherron entered this life on August 3, 1940, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, daughter of the late Charley and Nell (Stubblefield) Sanders. She was raised and attended school in Bentonville, Arkansas. She resided in Bentonville until moving to Pineville, Missouri, in 1980. 

Her work history included nearly twenty years with Cooper Communities, Mercantile Bank in Pineville and Jane Water Department where she retired in 2010 as office manager. Sherron was a longtime member of Emmanuel Baptist Church. 

On July 3, 1980, she was united in marriage to Earl “Tucker” Ellis and together they shared forty-one years before his passing on February 11, 2022. Additionally, Sherron was preceded by her parents; a stepdaughter, Debbie Weirich; and all of her siblings, Wanda, Dana, Wilda, Brenda, Wilma, Frank, Amiel and Billy.

Sherron is survived by her two children, Kevin Whited and wife, Corinne, of Anderson and Lori Griffith and husband, Scott, of Pineville; two step-children, Steven Ellis and wife, Patti, of Centerton, Arkansas and Karen Perry and husband, Greg, of Bentonville, Arkansas; fifteen grandchildren; thirty-two great grandchildren; as well as a host of other family and friends.

Funeral services are 11:00 a.m. Friday morning, September 2, 2022, at Emmanuel Baptist Church near Jane, Missouri, with Bro. Bruce Love officiating. Burial will follow at Pineville Cemetery. 

Those honoring her life by serving as pallbearers are Jake Bridges, Alan Vallance, Jon Hoffman, Terry Lawson, Greg Perry and Jeff Garrett with Rick Riley serving as honorary. 

The family will receive friends on Thursday evening from 5-7:00 p.m. in the Anderson Chapel of the Ozark Funeral Homes. Memorials are being directed to Emmanuel Baptist Church c/o the funeral home. On-line condolences may be sent to the family through our website, www.ozarkfuneralhome.com. 

 Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of the Ozark Funeral Home in Anderson, Missouri.

Debbie Eck

(From Housh-Goodwin Funeral Home)

Deborah Kay (Jenkins) Eck, surrounded by her family, was welcomed into the arms of her Savior on Saturday, August 27th, 2022.

Debbie was born December 19, 1951. She spent most of her childhood/teen years in Duquesne, MO and attended Webb City High School (Class of 1971). 

She married Peter Eck on May 31, 1969, and eventually settled in Sarcoxie, MO. 

Debbie will be remembered by the many people she touched with her kindness and generosity. She was driven by her own childhood in foster care, to offer a safe, loving foster home to hundreds of children. So in addition to her own three children with Peter, Debbie counted many others as her children. 

Over the years, she also opened her home to numerous foreign exchange students and remained in contact even after their return to their home countries. Among her chosen family include Karita Kamari of Finland, Fabi Aus of Germany (and mother Martina), Alonso Bear of Mexico, Kushtrim Sujemani of Macedonia and Natchanan Buapin of Thailand. 

Debbie was admired for her work ethic. She worked with the Missouri Department of Revenue Sales Tax Division, the License Bureau and Asay Publishing to name a few. She also served as a volunteer at the Sarcoxie Senior Center, serving meals to senior citizens. But Debbie's most rewarding and treasured job was raising her children and being Mema to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 

Debbie enjoyed traveling, often taking her foreign exchange students to notable sites of interest in the US while they visited or taking vacations with family. But she was most content at home, spending time outdoors taking care of her yard and her animals, or going to auctions and garage sales hunting for bargains and gifts for her friends and family. She loved people and was known to host her neighbors for gatherings of food, fun and fellowship.

Debbie is survived by her husband, Peter and her children, Michael Eck of Ozark, MO; Christina Rhymer (Jerry) of Salina, OK; Kandace Logan (Steve) of Miller, MO; and Troy Royko (Susan) of Fayetteville, North Carolina. Her survivors also include grandchildren, Anthony (Lauren) Eck, Skylar (Ryan) Sitton, Rebecca Eck, Timothy (Patty) Arr, Savannah Gibson, Alexandria Gibson, KC Logan, Hayden Logan, Logan Rhymer, Emilee Rhymer and Hannah Rhymer as well as great-grandchildren, Sydney, Madysyn, Braydyn, Daxton, Grayson, Arabella, and August.

She was preceded in death by her foster parents Sterling and Olive King and her in-laws, Frank and Lois Eck. Debbie is no doubt cuddling her great-grandson born sleeping, Breckin.

Services for Debbie are under the care of Housh-Goodwin Funeral Home of Sarcoxie and will be held there on Thursday, September 1, 2022 beginning with visitation at 12 pm with memorial service to begin at 2 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations, via Housh-Goodwin, be made to St. Judes Childrens Hospital.

Patricia Knack

(From Knell Mortuary)

Patricia Ann Anderson Knack, 70, Sarcoxie, Missouri, passed away Saturday evening, August 27, 2022, at Mercy Hospital, Joplin, Missouri, surrounded by her family. 

Patricia was born December 28, 1951, in Carthage, Missouri, the daughter of the late Charles Anderson and Fannie Mae (Miller) Anderson. She was a 1970 graduate of Carthage High School. 

Patricia married the love of her life, Kenneth Knack, on February 10, 1978, in Joplin, Missouri. 

She worked at the Fairview Greenhouse in Carthage for many years, Target, Dollar General, and most recently, a school cook for the Joplin R-8 School District. She was a member of the Freedom Christian Fellowship Church in Sarcoxie, Missouri. 

Patricia spent most of her time gardening and tending to her many flower beds, where she also loved feeding her butterflies and hummingbirds. She enjoyed genealogy research, going to flea markets, cooking and baking, traveling, and listening to her bluegrass and gospel music. 

Patricia was very family oriented and loved being home and spending time with her family. She had so much joy for everyone in her life.

Survivors include her husband of 44 years, Kenneth Knack; a daughter, Pamela Devins (Trevor), Sarcoxie; a son, Loren Checkley (Jamie), Joplin; three grandchildren, T.J. Devins (Hannah), Diamond, Missouri, Derick Devins, Sarcoxie, and Mystic Rain Hudson, Joplin; great-grandchildren, Reid Devins, and Ryeland Checkley; two brothers, Harold Anderson, Carthage, and Dale Anderson (Deonna), Mt. Vernon, Missouri; five sisters, Frances Wood, Denton, Texas, Sharon Duncan, Joplin, Diane Banks (Dick), Fredonia, Kansas, Ona Kelly, Joplin, and Dee Messersmith (Patrick), Sarcoxie; and many extended family and friends.

She was also preceded in death by a son, Gary Checkley; two brothers, Bobby Ray Anderson, and David Lee Anderson; and a sister, Pamela Sue Anderson.

Funeral services will be held 10 am, Thursday, September 1, 2022, at Knell Mortuary, Carthage. The family will receive friends from 5-7 pm, Wednesday, August 31, 2022, at Knell Mortuary, Carthage. Online condolences may be expressed through www.knellmortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Knell Mortuary.

Billy Housh

(From Ulmer Funeral Home)

Billy G. Housh, 85, of Reeds, Missouri, passed away on Saturday, August 27, 2022, at Mercy Hospital in Joplin, Missouri. He was born on June 25, 1937, to Bill Housh and Laura “Carroll” Housh in Diamond, Missouri. 

Billy was a farmer and he owned and operated Housh Implement for over 43 years. He was a member of the Fairview Baptist Church in Diamond. He enjoyed hunting, spending some time at the lake, and seeing his grandkids and great grandkids. Billy had two dogs he loved very much, Gracie and Ranger. They loved him too and followed him everywhere.

He was united in marriage to Ellen Faye Wallace on October 18, 1958, in Diamond; she preceded him in death on January 26, 2016.

Billy is survived by two sons, Don Housh (Dana) of Carthage, and Jimmy Housh (Teresa) of Carthage; a daughter Lisa Nelson (Roger) of Webb City; a brother, Paul Housh of Carthage; a sister, Jo Long of Diamond; three grandchildren, Travis Housh (Morgan), Jerad Housh (Lacey), and Cody Housh; two great grandchildren, Creed Housh and Quinn Housh.

Billy was preceded in death by his wife Ellen Housh; his parents, Bill and Laura Housh; a brother, Carrol “Pete” Housh; and a sister, Pauline Benefiel.

A service has been scheduled for Billy at 10:00 AM Wednesday, August 31, 2022, at Ulmer Funeral Home in Carthage, Missouri. An open visitation will be held on at Ulmer Funeral Home. Burial will be at the Powers Cemetery in Diamond on Wednesday, August 31, 2022, following the service.
Condolences may be made online at www.ulmerfh.com.

Any contributions can be made to Solace House of the Ozarks in Joplin, Missouri in care of Ulmer Funeral Home.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Ulmer Funeral Home.

Don LaPanne

(From Parker Mortuary)

Donald Nelson LaPanne, age 83, of Galena, KS passed peacefully on Friday, August 26, 2022 at his home.

Donald, born to the late Nelson LaPanne and Adrienne (Bishard)LaPanne Pearce on October 4, 1938 in Sanford, ME. He was raised by his mother and devoted stepfather Jay Pearce in the Webb City area. 

He married the love of his life, Judith Jimerson on December 22, 1962 in Galena, she survives. 

Donald served his country honorably in the United States Navy. He started out in the dry-cleaning business in Ft. Scott KS, then relocated to Everett WA where he was employed by Boeing. He also worked on the construction of the third powerhouse for the Grand Coulee Dam before returning to the four states area where he owned and operated J & D Construction and American Millwright.

Don was a member of the Kansas Masonic Lodge in Galena and Weir, Eastern Stars in Galena, Mirza Shrine Temple, in Pittsburg, and Scottish Rite Bodies - Valley of Ft. Scott and Valley of Joplin. He was bestowed the K.C.C.H. recognition and proudly earned his 33 degree. He was a member of the Hospital Dads and CK Clowns of the Mirza Shrine Temple. He could often be found collecting items for Shriners’ kids, driving families to Shriners Hospitals in St. Louis and Houston, and passing out candy and balloon animals to children at area parades and events.

He is survived by three daughters, Candy Mallatt and husband Brent of Fagler Beach, FL, Tammy Blaylock and husband Wayne of Seneca, MO and Ginger Sweet and husband Jeff of Carl Junction, MO; seven grandchildren who were his pride and joy, Joshua Sweet and wife Desi, Darcy Sweet and Jeremy Hofman, Madison Blaylock and Kenzo VanBaal, Olivia Blaylock, Chloe Clifton and husband Kylar, Levi Mallatt, and Amelia Mallatt; one great grandchild Rush Ryan Donald Sweet and American grandfather to several international exchange students as well as numerous extended family members.

Memorial services with Masonic Rites, Scottish Rites ritual for the Rose Croix and Military Honors will be held on Friday, September 2, 2022 at 5:00 PM in the chapel of Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary, Joplin. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children.

Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Parker Mortuary, Joplin.

Robert George

(From Fossett-Mosher Funeral Home)

Robert Eugene George, age 71, of Republic, Missouri passed away at 2:21 a.m. on Friday, August 26, 2022, at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Missouri. He was born January 27, 1951, in Kirksville, Missouri, the son of the late Dr. Harold E. George and Mardell Kirby.

Robert was a 1969 graduate of Mt. Vernon High School. He also attended Missouri Southern State University where he earned his Associates Degree in Law Enforcement in 1973 and his Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice Administration in 1979. 

While attending college, he joined the Joplin Police Department where he served as a Patrol Officer until he was appointed as a Special Agent with the Division of Legal Services, Department of Social Services in Kansas City, Missouri.

He then went on to attend Law School at the University of Tulsa, College of Law where he earned his Juris Doctorate degree in 1986. He then opened his private practice in Aurora, Missouri until he was elected for Prosecutor of Lawrence County, Missouri from 1989 through 2010.

During his time as prosecutor, he was also an Adjunct professor for Drury College, Aurora Missouri Campus, where he taught Business Law, Criminal Law and Procedure, Interviewing and Investigation, Legal Writing and Civil Litigation. Robert was also a Certified Instructor for the National Highway Transportation Safety Institute, U.S. Department of Transportation.

Robert was an associate judge for the 39th Judicial Circuit Court in Mt. Vernon, Missouri. He was elected to the court on November 4, 2014, for a term commencing on January 1, 2015. He retired in January of 2021.

Robert served on the Board of Directors for the Missouri Office of Prosecution Services and Missouri Association of Prosecuting Attorneys and served as President in 1998. Additionally, he served on the Board of Directors for the Children’s Center in Joplin, Missouri and was the President in 2014.

Robert was a member of the United Methodist Church, Aurora, Missouri, Rotary International (Paul Harris Fellow), a member of the Masonic Lodge Canopy Lodge 264 in Verona, Missouri; Scottish Rite 32 degree Mason in Joplin, Missouri; and Abou Ben Adhem Shrine Club in Springfield, Missouri. Robert’s lifelong dream came true in 2022 when he became an owner of a Chevy Corvette and was able to join the elite Shriner’s Corvette Club.

Robert is survived by his wife of 52 years, Sherrie (McVey) George, of Republic, two daughters, Heather Priebe and her husband, Mark, of Republic, Missouri and Holly George-Thomas and her husband, Troy, of Wildwood, Missouri and their dog, Princess, two of his favorite people in the world, his grandson, Conner Priebe and his granddaughter, Chloe Priebe and their dog, Bentley. He is also survived by one brother, Scott George, and four sisters, Susan Stark, Mary Catron, Carol Millsap-McIntyre, and Jane Claas.

Robert is proceeded in death by his parents, Dr. Harold E George, and wife Betty George; his mother Mardell Kirby and husband Duane Kirby; and a brother, Fred George.

A celebration of Robert’s life will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 31, 2022, at the United Methodist Church, in Aurora, Missouri. He will be cremated and a private burial services will take place at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of the Fossett-Mosher Funeral Home in Mt. Vernon, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make donations to the Gary Sinise Foundation or Priebe Strong Foundation. You may bring your donation to the services or mail them to the care of Heather Priebe at P.O. Box 422, Republic, Missouri, 65738.

Online condolences may be shared at www.FossettMosherFuneralHome.com.

***

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